Morning: Ease Into Autumn
Start slow. Sleep in a little, then sip your coffee surrounded by sugar pines and crisp mountain air. Before heading into the park, take advantage of a few included experiences right here at the lodge:
- Stretch it out in a yoga class at Ascent Spa, available on select days.
- Wander with intention on a guided nature hike through the surrounding forest, an easy, beautiful way to get grounded for the day ahead.
Afterward, it’s time to chase the color. Head into Yosemite National Park via the South Entrance—just minutes from the resort—and follow the scenic drive into Yosemite Valley. Autumn here arrives quietly: leaves blush yellow and red, rivers slow, trails hush. Your must‑stops:
- Tunnel View – the classic overlook, made even better in fall’s golden light
- Valley View – a peaceful pull-off with picture-perfect reflections of El Capitan and Bridalveil Fall mirrored in the slow-moving Merced
Afternoon: Choose Your Trail & Picnic Meadow
This is when Yosemite slows down and shows off. Pick the path that fits your pace:
- Valley Loop Trail – Quiet, scenic, and soaked in color. Choose a short segment (East or West) and wander past golden meadows, under fiery maples and oaks, and alongside the Merced River. It’s leaf peeping at its purest.
- Swinging Bridge Picnic Area – Not so much a trail as a destination, but worth the stop. This riverside spot is surrounded by cottonwoods and framed by big open skies. Bring a blanket, take a break, and just watch the season pass by.
- Four-Mile Trail to Glacier Point – Ready to earn your views? This steep and spectacular trail climbs over 3,000 feet to Glacier Point. Fall makes it cooler, quieter, and more rewarding—expect sweeping vistas of Yosemite Valley blanketed in autumn hues. Even hiking partway up offers incredible perspective.
Pack a lunch and enjoy a relaxed meal near the river or in one of the open meadows, like Cook’s Meadow, Stoneman Meadow or El Capitan Meadow. The sounds of leaves rustling and birds overhead are all the ambiance you need.
Explore More with Local Festivals
If your visit falls in late September through October, consider rounding out your day with a local celebration. These regional events bring together mountain charm, live music, handmade goods, and small-town hospitality.
- Yosemite Facelift: More than just a festival—Yosemite Facelift is a beloved volunteer event where nature lovers come together to help clean up the park after the busy summer season. It typically takes place the last week of September and includes evening events like guest speakers, films, and gear giveaways. Volunteering even includes free park entry!
- Bass Lake Harvest Arts & Crafts Fair: Held every October in The Pines Village at Bass Lake, this lakeside fair is a cozy mountain favorite. Browse booths filled with handmade jewelry, woodwork, ceramics, home décor, and seasonal treats while enjoying the crisp lake breeze and colorful scenery.
- Oktoberfest at Bass Lake: Join in the festive fun at The Pines Resort’s Oktoberfest, typically held in early October. Expect live German music, traditional dancers, axe throwing challenges, hearty brats and craft brews, and family-friendly games, all set against fall foliage and lake views.
Evening: Cozy Firepits and Stargazing
After a day of crisp hikes and colorful trails, come home to the comforts of Tenaya.
- Warm up by the firepit with a seasonal cocktail from Jackalope’s or complimentary s’mores kits—because fall isn’t fall without toasted marshmallows.
- And if the skies are clear? Look up! The Orionids meteor shower—active from September 26 to November 22—peaks around October 21–22. Thanks to our dark skies and high elevation, Tenaya is a great place to catch the show.
Ask the front desk about complimentary telescope access or bring a blanket and find your own quiet spot under the stars.